Kells anglers’ conservation work on Blackwater gains award

The Kells Anglers’ Association recently won a prestigious award from the Wild Trout Trust of Britain and Ireland for its conservation work on the River Blackwater. The north Meath club took overall third place in Britain and Ireland for the extensive work it has carried out on the river over the past few years. Chairman Noel McLoughlin and secretary Kieran O’Kelly travelled to London recently for the awards ceremony, where they were presented with a Harvey fly rod, valued at around €1,000, which will be raffled to raise funds to continue the club’s work. The rehabilitation and enhancement work members have carried out included the provision of gravel for spawning on the small tributary streams and the creation of holding pools. The work proved highly successful with a huge increase in spawning now evident in the streams. The number of spawning beds has increased from three to 76. They also provided fencing between farmland and the river and cleaned up overgrown ground. The club raises money to finance the work itself, but has received help and advice from the Fisheries Board. Last year, the association spent €30,000 on enhancing the river. The work has benefited local business as it has attracted over 400 tourist anglers to the Blackwater this year alone. Noel McLoughlin thanked the Fisheries Board and, in particular Frances Carroll and Robert Bergin, for their help and support, and The Wild Trout Trust, especially Tim Jackson, who did a walking survey of the river. He thanked the committee and team leader Kieran O’Kelly for all their work and local farmers for their co-operation and help. The cathaoirleach of Kells Town Council, Cllr Conor Ferguson, paid tribute to the work of the club in enhancing the river and attracting visitors to the area. He also pointed out that it does great work for youngsters of the area, bringing them on days away and teaching them to fish. The Kells Anglers 'Association is one of the oldest clubs in the country, having been in existence since 1893.